Industrial valves are essential components in fluid control systems — but even the highest quality valve can fail prematurely without proper installation and maintenance. Whether you’re working with manual valves, pneumatic/electric control valves, or solenoid valves, following best practices ensures safety, efficiency, and longer service life.
This guide walks you through key steps for valve installation and long-term maintenance.
🔧 Pre-Installation Checklist
Before installing a valve, always check:
- Valve Type and Material Compatibility
- Confirm the valve matches your media type, pressure, and temperature.
- Clean the Pipeline
- Remove debris, rust, or welding slag to prevent blockage or seat damage.
- Check Valve Operation
- Manually operate the valve before installation to confirm movement is smooth.
- Inspect Sealing Surfaces and Threads
- Look for cracks, warping, or damage that may affect leak-tightness.
📌 Note: Never lift the valve by the actuator or stem — use lifting lugs or supports.
🛠️ Installation Tips (General)
- Install with Flow Direction in Mind
Especially for globe valves, check valves, and solenoid valves that have a designated flow arrow. - Avoid Over-Tightening Flanges or Threads
Over-torquing can warp the valve body and damage internal components. - Support Heavy Valves
Use pipe hangers or brackets to prevent stress on pipeline or valve necks. - Use Proper Gaskets and Sealants
Match gasket materials to the media type (e.g., PTFE for chemicals, EPDM for water).
🧽 Valve Maintenance: Best Practices
Proper maintenance improves reliability and reduces unexpected downtime.
1. Routine Inspection (Monthly or Quarterly)
- Check for leaks around the packing, seals, and body.
- Inspect actuator signals (for control valves).
- Verify open/close position and response time.
2. Lubrication
- Manual valves (especially gate or globe types) may require periodic stem lubrication.
3. Tightening Packing Glands
- Slightly leaking stems can often be fixed by tightening the packing gland nut — but do not over-tighten.
4. Cleaning Solenoid Valves
- Remove and flush solenoid cores periodically to prevent clogging, especially in dirty or high-mineral environments.
5. Actuator Checks (Electric/Pneumatic)
- Verify wiring, air supply pressure, and signal response regularly.
📌 Pro Tip: Keep a maintenance log to track servicing dates and performance issues.
⚠️ Common Installation & Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Installing upside down or against flow direction
- ❌ Using pipe wrenches on actuator heads
- ❌ Skipping flushing before installation
- ❌ Forgetting to cycle test electric/pneumatic valves after wiring
📩 Need Help with Valve Setup or Maintenance Planning?
Whether you’re managing a water treatment plant, chemical facility, or automated production line, we provide technical support, custom installation guides, and on-demand valve solutions.
👉 Contact us today to speak with a valve expert or request an installation datasheet.
📧 [eric.jiang@fosunt.com]
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